sell-swords and thugs,” said Dina. “If I am to go to Helenia, then I can bring back Knights of Amon Dähl.”
Millet's eyes widened. “Really? How many?”
“I can send word for them to come from the temples,” said Dina. “How many I don't know, but if only but a few are able, Angrääl would have to send an army to match them. And I wager they can be here faster than the faithful will be able to reinforce.”
“Then it will be up to us to keep them busy until these fellows get here,” said Barty. “You can count on me, and a few others at the Stedding farm, too.”
Just then, Devon stirred, groaning.
Millet looked at Barty grimly “For now I need you and Randson to go out back and get a wagon ready. Don't come back inside until I call for you.”
Barty hesitated, then nodded sharply. “Of course.”
After Barty and Randson had left, Millet knelt down in front of Devon, who had only just opened his eyes. In his right hand he held a small dagger. Dina stood just behind him, expressionless.
Devon turned his head and saw that Sherone was still unconscious. “What do you want with me?”
“First, I want you to see something,” said Millet. “Then I'll let you decide what I want with you.”
Before Devon could respond, Millet reach out and slit Sherone's throat. Blood spewed forth then poured down the man's cloak. Sherone's eyes opened for a moment as he gasped for breath, then slowly closed.
“Gods protect me!” cried Devon. Tears streamed down his plump cheeks as he struggled against his bonds.
Millet laughed mockingly. “Gods? The faithful invoking the Gods?” He wiped the bloody dagger on Sherone's cloak. “What would your master say if he heard that, I wonder?”
“I renounce the faithful,” said Devon, through his sobs. “Please, spare me.”
Millet stood and turned his back to Devon. “Did you come here to spare me?”
“My father is rich,” cried Devon. “If you let me live, he’ll pay you whatever you want.”
“And who is your father?” asked Millet.
“Lord Devon Drevaldon II, of Baltria.”
“I know your father,” said Millet. “At least I know of him through Lee Starfinder. It doesn't surprise me that he has fallen in with Angrääl. But you should know that I am lord of this manor now. And as a Baltrian noble, you know well what it means to attack a lord in his own home.”
Devon began to shake uncontrollably. ”I swear I didn't know. I only came to...to...”
Millet spun around and held up his hand, silencing him. “You came to prove to the rest that you're good for more than just your father’s gold.” He knelt down. “Now you can prove your worth to me. Would you like that?”
“Yes!” Devon blurted out. “I swear to it!”
“I've asked no oath from you,” said Millet. “Nor would I believe any that you could give. So I will swear an oath to you.” He leaned in. “You tell me everything you know, and flee Sharpstone this very night, without a word to the rest of the faithful, and I swear that you will not die this night. Should I find out that you have lied, that you have spoken to your friends, or should the sun find you still in this town in the morning, regardless of what happens to me you will die. Do not think you can find safety in Baltria. Or that your father can protect you. And should I die, your death will come more swiftly than you can imagine.” He stood and turned to Dina. “Please explain to Lord Devon Drevaldon II, who you are, so that he knows what I say is true.”
Dina flashed a shocked glance at Millet, then nodded. “I am a member of the Order of Amon Dähl. Does that name hold any meaning for you?”
“I have heard of it,” said Devon. “The faithful speak of it often.”
“Then you should know that we have people in cities in every kingdom,” Her face was stone. “If you do not do as Lord Millet says, then I will send word to every member of my order, that your death is of the greatest importance. There will be nowhere to hide. Do you understand?”
Devon nodded slowly.
“Then tell me everything you know about the plans of the faithful,” said Millet. “And if anyone in town has joined your cause. And I don't mean people who owe you money. I mean those who are really with you.”
For the next hour Devon told them what he